by Fred Seely
Editor
If it’s a good cause, the real estate and construction industries will be near the head of the line. The current list of “good causes” includes helping the Jacksonville Jaguars sell season tickets.
The Jaguars’ initiative is called “Team Teal: Revive the Pride” and the goal is to sell the 13,000 or so season tickets needed to avoid television blackouts of the 2010 home schedule.
“We’ve gotten great support from these industries,” said Tom Patterson, the National Football League team’s Senior Sales Manager, Season and Premium Seating. “There are specific events like the one at Wynnfield Lakes, and there is enthusiastic support from these industries when we have events for the general public.”
The Wynnfield outing featured team majority owner Wayne Weaver and drew about 200 to the development on Kernan Boulevard just south of Atlantic Boulevard in Jacksonville. It was hosted by Lennar Homes and the Northeast Florida Builders Association and it wasn’t just about selling tickets.
“This is good for the community and we want to be a good corporate sponsor,” said Lennar Homes President Barbara Moore, who also serves on the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission. “Realtors are the lifeblood of the community and the Jaguars are an important part of the community and we want to support them.”
Moore said Northeast Florida Association Executive Director and City Council member Daniel Davis approached her about hosting the event.
“I know he’s heavily involved with the Jaguars in terms of being a supporter and we worked out the event sponsor details,” said Moore, adding her company does at lot with the Tony Boselli Foundation. “It’s just one of those things we are happy to do.”
Weaver was pleased with the turnout and talked about how the entire Northeast Florida area is starting to understanding the magnitude of being one of 31 cities - New York is home to both the Giants and the Jets - with an NFL franchise. Weaver also said he understands the economy is playing a major role in the decisions people make.
“It’s a great way for the community to rally around Team Teal,” said Weaver. “I think the community really understands how important the NFL is for a city. I would not do this if it was just for me. This economy is difficult and people have less discretionary income. They have to make choices.”
Andy Chambers is president of NEFBA, which has about 1,000 members. He said the builders are determined to help support the team and appreciate the impact the Jaguars have on the entire region.
“We want to prove to them we think they benefit our economy,” said Chambers. “What we bring to the table is people and the ability to put on an event like this in short order. We were fortunate to get to support this. This is not about just ticket sales tonight. It’s about pushing and being out there and talking about the push that will happen over the coming days.”
The Team Teal event was great,” said Gary Harlow, a Watson Realty agent. “It was wonderful to see the real estate industry come together to support the Jaguars, a team that is essential to the future of our city. Seeing everyone’s support at the event just shows that the Jaguars are going to have a successful upcoming season with the Jacksonville community behind them.”
The Jaguars will continue their campaign through the summer with a volunteer force headed by former Florida Times-Union Publisher Carl Cannon and ex-Jaguar Boselli. The team needs to sell 50,957 non-premium seats to get around the NFL’s blackout rules and the sales figures as of May 27 showed 37,844 sold.
The regular season opens September 12 with a game that is almost sure to be sold out: Denver comes to town with former University of Florida and Jacksonville hero Tim Tebow. There are two games each month through December and other opponents include the Indianapolis Colts, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Redskins.
The preseason games here against Miami (August 21) and Atlanta (September 2) will be televised regardless of the ticket status.
Ticket information is available on the Jaguars’ website, www.jaguars.com, and information on setting up speakers or events is at 633-6000.